America's Inventor

Ron Popeil

Ron Popeil, "America's Inventor", overcame tragedy and bankruptcy to become a part of every American household.

This smiling and upbeat TV pitchman became a household name for selling kitchen gadgets. But Popeil's success didn't come easily. Abandoned by his parents at age three, Popeil spent most of his formative years facing a lot of emotional pain. But it was precisely his misfortune that drove him to become successful.